Indian Premier League began 16 years ago now and it has been the most successful event in the history of cricket. However, why was Pakistan banned from IPL is still a mystery for many people. BCCI had to take strict actions against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) provoking their cricketers from playing in the Indian Premier League.
Why was Pakistan Banned From IPL?
BCCI banned Pakistan from IPL after 10 terrorists including Ajmal Kasab attacked Mumbai on 26 November 2008. The incident was devastating and a menace like such could never be forgiven. These terrorists killed more than 174 people including security personnel and foreign nationalists who came to visit India.
This horrendous act maintains the title of the dark page of our history. These terrorists traveled to Mumbai by waterways all the way from Pakistan. The incident interrupted the peace between the two nations. As a result, BCCI banned Pakistan from IPL immediately after that.
Indian still does not include Pakistan in the IPL matches and it does also not play any bilateral series with Pakistan in the International format. Indian and Pakistan play against each other only when they are part of an ICC or ACC series.
Which Pakistani Players Participated in IPL 2008
BCCI banned Pakistan from IPL in December 2008 until then Pakistan had already played the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008. Pakistan was banned from IPL in 2009 or 2nd session of IPL. Here’s a list of players from Pakistan that played IPL in 2008:
- Shahid Afridi– Deccan Chargers
- Shoaib Malik– Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals)
- Shoaib Akhtar– Kolkata Knight Riders
- Misbah-ul-Haq– Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Mohammad Hafeez– Kolkata Knight Riders
- Younis Khan– Rajasthan Royals
- Umar Gul– Kolkata Knight Riders
- Salman Butt– Kolkata Knight Riders
- Kamran Akmal– Rajasthan Royals
- Mohammad Asif– Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals)
- Sohail Tanveer– Rajasthan Royals
These Pakistani players were part of the IPL 2008 (inaugural season). BCCI banned Pakistan from IPL ever since then and there are no plans to revise their decision in the future.
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